BOAT SHOWS - Sydney International Boat Show opens next week

The Sydney International Boat Show, Australia’s largest boat show, will open its doors on Thursday, July 28 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

Promoters said the show, now in its 44th year, will feature a vast array of boats and all the gear that goes with them, as well as entertainment and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Displays we’re told not to be missed include the Nautilus Marine Insurance Fishing Clinic, the Better Boating Lounge, daily Musto fashion shows, the fabulous Walk of Fame, the Discover Boating Tours, a display of historic vessels, an exhibition of marine photography and Club Marine cooking demonstrations.

More than 280 exhibitors, including the cream of the industry’s manufacturers, retailers, importers and distributors, will display goods and services to upwards of 75,000 visitors.

All six halls of the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will be packed with many millions of dollars worth of marine related products — from boats to boat trailers, fishing tackle to marine electronics to marine engines, and general boating accessories of all shapes, sizes and applications.

On the waters of adjoining Cockle Bay, the largest marina built specifically for a boat show will be home to the "dream boats" — the bluewater cruisers, power and sail, many of which carry prices the equivalent of a Sydney waterfront property.

SHOW INFORMATIONVENUE: Sydney Exhibition Centre and Cockle Bay Marina, Darling HarbourDATES: Thursday, July 28 to Monday, August 1TIMES: 10am to 8pm in the Halls, and 10am to 6pm on the marina.

TICKET PRICES Adult $16.50 online, $19.50 at show; Child (6 to 17 years) $9.50 online, $11.50 at show, 5 and under free; Family (2 adults and 3 children) $38 online, $45 at show; 3-Day VIP Guest Pass (Valid for any 3 days of the show. Only one person per day can use pass for entry) $42 online and at show; Pensioner (only available to purchase at the show - Card required) $14;Senior (only available to purchase at the show - Card required) $17.50$5 after 5pm (only available to purchase at the show) $5

"The classic style and beautiful handcrafted interior of the Sabre 40 really emphasises this is a boat of absolute quality and distinction," said Elderkin.

"The performance is incredible, too. Motoring from Port Kembla to Emarine Australia’s base at Roseville Bridge Marina was so much fun — even through a decent northwesterly the boat was smooth, fast and just really solid," he said.

To mark the occasion of the launch — and in addition to Sabre’s Launch Pad campaign, where customers receive an iPad 2 loaded with information pertaining to the boat — those who buy the show boat or order a Sabre 40 will receive a full suite of Garmin electronics. The package includes two GPSMAP 5215 large-screen chartplotters, a GMR 24HD radar and VHF marine radio. Valued at more than $15,000, the electronics package is being thrown in for free, said Emarine Australia.

The dealership’s on-water display at the Sydney International Boat Show will also include the Back Cove 37 and the new Back Cove 30.